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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Published on: March 8, 2018
Structural dissociation and its resolution among Holocaust survivors: a qualitative research study
Carl F Auerbach1, Shoshana Mirvis, Susan Stern
1Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York 10461, USA. cauerbac@gmail.com
Summary
Holocaust survivors coped with trauma by splitting their personalities into an apparently normal part (ANP) and an emotional part (EP). Over time, they integrated these parts, creating a historical self.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- The study explores how individuals maintain functionality after extreme trauma.
- It is framed by structural dissociation theory, explaining personality fragmentation post-trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological mechanisms enabling Holocaust survivors to lead seemingly normal lives.
- To analyze the process of integrating traumatic experiences through the lens of structural dissociation theory.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of interviews from 20 Holocaust survivors.
- Application of structural dissociation theory and nonrealization concepts to survivor narratives.
Main Results:
- Survivors initially split traumatic memories into an emotional part (EP), separating them from daily functioning (ANP).
- A later stage involved motivation to remember and confront split-off traumatic material.
- Integration of the ANP and EP occurred, forming a 'historical self', though trauma's impact persisted.
Conclusions:
- Structural dissociation provides a framework for understanding post-trauma adaptation.
- Holocaust survivors' post-war lives demonstrate a multi-stage process of coping, dissociation, and eventual integration.
- Complete resolution of trauma's impact is not always achieved, but integration allows for a 'normal' life.
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